So I have this Loco numbered 123 from the Lionel RTR set # 6-30091 and it has always run fine. Today the grand kids were here and it was running on their loop of the layout and it just slowed to a crawl. Now it will just creep along and does not seem to want to go on the track or the test stand.

How does any other locomotive run on the kids track? Reason I'm asking is to eliminate any track or transformer problems. Probably stating the obvious to you but if any other engine works fine then there's something wrong with that 0-8-0.

Motor? If it's possible see if you can meter the motor leads to see if it's getting enough juice. If so, then it's a motor problem, if not, then it's the E-board.

Could even be a loose wire in there somewhere.

I'd assume it's out of warranty by now if you feel OK with taking it apart.

I'll tell you, these modern locomotives with all their electronics are making the surviving post-wars more and more attractive.

That makes me think hair, carpet pile, piece of traction tire, or some other foreign material is probably wrapped around the gears and/or wheels. I'd use a pin, needle, or tweezers to pull out anything that could be clogging up the works around the gears or wheels.

Once you remove all matter you find, add a couple of drops of oil to the gears.

If that doesn't work, then the only other thing I can think of is to oil the motor itself. Obviously, you'd have to take the shell off. Make sure there isn't anything clogging the motor and then oil the shaft. I don't think there's anything wrong with the motor itself, because it is moving. Friction and foreign matter are usually the only things that affect the speed of the motor (not counting any change in supplied voltage). Of course if the engine was dropped or thrown, then it's possible something's broken. Most engines are very durable. They take a lot of abuse, so it probably isn't likely.

HO? Oh, it's that smallish gauge the rivet-counters over on the "Model Railroader" site obsess about. O gaugers like us frequently refer to it as "How Ordinary!"

Although, some HO accessorys can prove useful at times, as I mentioned earlier. Frequently you can pick up a used HO transformer useful for checking DC motors dirt cheap at train shows, among other places.

Well, if Santa lives in Lake Placid the Adirondack Scenic Railroad should seek him out and get him on board, they could use his pull! They've been getting an awful lot of grief from the NIMBY's and outdoor eliteists up there.

You can check out the whole sordid story on the "Trains" Forum, look for "Steam and Preservation" and start scolling down.

I mean, who's going to say "no" to the Great Man, Mr. C himself? I wouldn't!

I pulled the shell today and un-hooked the e-unit and hooked a 9 volt battery to the motor like SJ suggested and the motor seems to work fine. I will order a new e-unit install it, and let you know if that repairs the problem.

I pulled the shell today and un-hooked the e-unit and hooked a 9 volt battery to the motor like SJ suggested and the motor seems to work fine. I will order a new e-unit install it, and let you know if that repairs the problem.

Well that did not work!!!!

Why I started this thread in the first place, to get some help deciding what I needed to do. Not get Santa's address:

Still not sure what to do next on the sick 0-8-0 USRA. Thinking of un-hooking the smoke unit to see if it will run okay to make sure that is not the issue before I buck up for another motor. I am stumped.